Investigate and prosecute attackers

The EU has deplored the latest incidents which took place against international aid agencies providing humanitarian assistance aid to Sri Lanka.

The EU strongly condemns the deliberate attacks on aid organizations and their staff members,says a statement.

"They not only violate international humanitarian law, they also limit the freedom and ability for the NGO, UN and the Red Cross Movement partners to deliver their support to affected populations in Sri Lanka", statement says.

The EU welcomes the government’s statement condemning the attacks.

But the EU says it is concerned about the lack of effective follow up on past violent acts and the development of a culture of impunity that the government recognized last week in its address to parliament and pledged to fight against.

The EU knows the government is committed to seeing these aid agencies
continue their assistance to the people of Sri Lanka.

The government's action now in condemning these attacks at the highest level and in ensuring strong investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice will be the most powerful way of showing that commitment.

The EU has requested meetings for concerned donor agencies with the Secretary of Defence, Inspector General of Police and relevant ministries to be briefed on follow up.